Trauma and the risk of eating and shopping addiction in women

Purpose
Exposure to traumatic events and having symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are both risk factors for the development of addictions. The aim of the study was to determine the links between trauma and the intensity of eating and shopping behaviors and identify the predictors of eating and shopping addiction. The number of traumatic events experienced and PTSD symptoms were used as the indicators of trauma.

Methods
The study was conducted online. The participants were 90 women aged 22-56 years (M = 33.9; SD = 8.93) who completed four standard measurement tools and a survey developed for the purpose of the study.

Results
The results indicate that eating behaviors are positively associated with symptoms of PTSD but are not linked to the number of traumatic events an individual has experienced. In turn, the shopping behaviors analyzed are associated with the number of traumatic events experienced indirectly, but not with PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions
PTSD is a risk factor for eating addiction, and the number of events experienced indirectly increases the risk of shopping addiction. There is a need for prevention programs aimed at reducing the risk of behavioral addictions by equipping people with skills that can help them cope with traumatic events.